Some unpublished Papers relating to Indo‑British History and Administration from 1790‑98
By Kali Kinkar Datta
Summary
The period 1790-1798 marked a transformative era in Indo-British administration, characterized by significant reforms in law, revenue, judiciary, police, and trade under Governor Cornwallis and his successors. This period saw the gradual establishment of a new administrative framework following the collapse of the old system. Unpublished records from the Patna District Judge's office (1790-1816) offer valuable insights into this history, categorized into political, economic, revenue, judicial, police, military, and general interest matters. A notable political incident involved the Danish factory at Patna, established in 1775 by George Hendrich Berner, whose tomb remains in Patna. In 1790, tensions arose when Jete, a Ghat Manjee (boatman), and his associates disrupted the factory's boats, leading to a confrontation with sepoys. The Danish Resident, F.A. Schielke, refused to surrender the individuals involved, citing allegiance to Danish authorities and lack of evidence of forceful boat seizures. Correspondence between Schielke and Patna's Magistrate, H. Douglas, reveals diplomatic tensions, with Schielke deferring to higher Danish authorities for resolution. The records highlight administrative challenges, including jurisdictional conflicts and the complexities of enforcing justice under colonial rule. These documents, previously unexplored, provide a foundation for a more comprehensive understanding of India's historical trajectory during this critical period.
Conclusion
This document offers a unique glimpse into the complex administrative dynamics of early British India through previously unpublished records from Patna (1790-98). By analyzing correspondence between Danish factory officials, local authorities, and colonial administrators, it reveals the challenges of enforcing order amid conflicting jurisdictions and cultural tensions, as seen in the Danish factory dispute. The papers highlight Cornwallis' era reforms' practical implementation gaps, particularly in maintaining law and order, while underscoring the value of district-level records for understanding localized colonial governance. These findings complement existing scholarship by providing grassroots perspectives on administrative overhauls, emphasizing the often contentious interplay between new regulations and existing socio-economic realities. The study demonstrates how such overlooked archival materials can refine our understanding of colonial India's legal and administrative evolution.